Round #2 , Days 1 - 3

Day #1.  Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016.   Margie picked us up early (for us) to get to the Pearson Cancer Center by 8:45 AM which will be an almost all day procedure of 4 different chemo applications plus the regular infusions of anti-nausea, steroids, and probably something else I don't remember.  The infusions began about 10 AM.  They have to wait for the blood tests to be checked before they start the infusion to make sure my platelets are OK.   I am not into medical technology so, forgive my ignorance. We were told, because of the holiday weekend and the time frame of my 2 days pump which is on now, I will have to go to Virginia Baptist Hospital on Saturday by 2 to get a liter of saline to tied me over since that is a factor in my well-being and condition.  Margie will disconnect my pump on Saturday when it is almost finished before that trip over there, put it all in a special chemo bag and we bring it to the cancer center when they open again next week.  Paul will take me to VA Baptist for that saline infusion.
Day #2. (Friday, Dec. 30)   Last night started out a little rough even though the "side effects" after the pump is removed have not started.  It was rough because I did feel a little nauseated, like doped up, and not too hungry.   In I felt a little nauseated and very weak, I decided to take the phenergan about 9:00 PM and then took my regular dose of ATivan about 10.  Luckily, soon after that Agustin went to bed and massaged my hands as he does most nights with organic coconut oil. I am very blessed to have married a person who likes to massage and does it so well.  He actually took a course up at UVA a long time ago and it was as night course.   All of our family is very appreciative and blessed to have his expertise and "love" for healing and relaxing.  It has really helped me a lot.  Actually when he massages my feet he mixes a little frankincense into the organic coconut oil.  Such love and relaxing when I don't feel well.💕
 I was sound asleep before the second hand was done and had to ask him this morning if he had actually done it, and indeed, he had:):)✋☺  Since I have a pump added to my life for 2 days, I have a string of tubing that I have to we aware of.  Every time I get up to go to the bathroom (very close), I have to unhook the straps that the fanny pack, carry it and hang it on the door.  After that I return to bed, drink water that I have already by the bed, hook up my pump fanny strap on the bed sboard which is very safe, and go back to sleep.   Some time last night I woke up with extremely dry mouth and chugged a little water through my straw and went back to sleep.
     This AM, I had a tiny headache but it is gone now.  I had my devotions and coffee per usual even though they discourage caffeine. I just love my coffee.  One cup a day shouldn't  hurt, I tell myself:)I made us breakfast (soft boiled egg and homemade toast) , cut up the fruit, Agustin put it through the juicer and we ate a small breakfast.   I also noticed that last night and this morning when I touched something a little cold from the frig I felt a cold tingling sensation through my finger tips.  They said that should not last more than a few days.  Also, when I swallowed room temp water more on the cool side, I felt cold sensation in my throat.  I never drink ice in my drinks or cold things anyway.
    I am going to bed now and am not nauseated at all.  I will take the Ativan as usual but no phenergan because I understand that can make your mouth dry too.   I have had a good appetite for the  last part of today.
Day #3 (Saturday)   Had a good night's sleep without too much waking.  Took only Ativan.  This morning I woke up about 4 AM and Agustin massaged my hands and I fell back to sleep.  He slept long after that which is very good since he really needs his sleep too.  I got up, was a bit chilly from the chemo I guess and wrapped myself in the electric blanket my sister gave me awhile ago which I have never had to use until today:)  Sat on the sofa all bundled up, read my devotions, Bible, and sipped on my coffee, took my Claritin and ate breakfast.  Still have a appetite...must be the steroids they gave me during chemo.  Later today I will get the pump off and then get more IV fluid:) 
I must post before Day #4 comes so things don't get too confusing.  So, my sister came over at 1 PM, took off the pump and flushed the tube.  I then went to VA Baptist Hospital Outpatient section and had a liter of saline dripped into my port artery and that took about an hour once they started.  Came home to a delicious Olive Garden dinner with a good appetite that one of the wonderful people who sign up on the "Meal Train" brought.   That has really been an life-saver and great help to us! 
      Laid down in bed after dinner and fell sound asleep until about 7, woke up, took night pills and now going to watch some TV (Netflix:).  I feel tired but not sick or nauseated or too weak....YET:)   Hey, maybe that won't happen.
                      So, I wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!   

Hermosa Christmas Family Traditions,2016

After almost 48 years of marriage to Agustin who was born in Colombia, SA, we have "developed" some family traditions that we really didn't plan out but just evolved!
It was about 48 years ago I realized that when we went to Colombia for Christmas with Kathy and Ruthie as babies,  that suddenly our Christmas Eve was going to be made up of an all night party, at least that is how it looked to me.  So, where was the wake-up-Christmas-morning to open presents?
Well, my thoughtful husband realized ahead of time that Christmas Eve in the USA was quite different than the way he grew up with "Niño Diós"   delivering the gifts on Christmas Eve instead of Santa on Christmas AM....or something like that:)
 So, he "instructed" his sweet family that we were going to get up early Christmas AM, open gifts, and have a "Christmas breakfast", just like in the states.  Actually, way back then, I made sticky buns for breakfast and tried to have our little American Christmas tradition:)    I don't remember much of what else happened except a few family members  were still  up all night while we were asleep:)
Anyway, this is our family traditional Christmas celebration which is a little different this year.  We used to include our church service at 5:30 PM.  Our whole family would attend and bring  the grand kids to the children's time in front of the church...a tradition.   The other "tradition" that did not take place this year either was my singing of   "O Holy Night" at this particular service.    So, with that in mind, we planned our Christmas Eve family time earlier in the evening.
Our tradition has evolved somewhat too.   When we first started having Christmas Eve for the kids after they were married, we decided to take a little from both sides of the Latin family culture and the "American" family traditions.  While they were still young, we continued the wake-up-Christmas-morning and open Christmas gifts tradition.
After everyone was grown and had their own families and extended families, we decided to have the gift exchange on Christmas Eve with food and fun after the service, and it ended up always being at Kathy's.   I would then have a big Christmas dinner at our house Christmas Day afternoon and invite friends who were of different cultures,even religions, and available family members who were not otherwise gathering at their spouse' family events:)  I haven't done that for many years though.
Back to our Christmas Eve.  Somehow, over the years, our kids have developed the "elves-coming-to-the-door tradition and delivering pjs for each grandchild.  All of a sudden, the doorbell rings and someone goes but no one is there, just the wrapped packages left by Santa's Elves.  By now, only a few younger kids are left to really think that the Elves have delivered the pjs.   I am very proud of all our grandkids who never refuse to get dressed in the pjs no matter how old they are:)  They all play along and everyone has a good time.  Sometimes I wish the grandparents got to put on their pjs too, but, good for us, we get to go home early:)
So, that is our tradition.
This year has been a time of thankfulness for the good health I am feeling, even if I do have a cancer in my pancreas.  I can't tell I have it from feeling anything. I think the pancreatic enzymes I take before meals really helps too.   I am a little tired, but, hey, I am 75 too!
I also am grateful I got to make my turkey, stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole, corn pudding, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.  I never thought I would ever get to do that this year until my kind oncologist wanted me to "enjoy" Christmas and I have.  Kathy came early to help and cleaned up afterwards:)
Coming Dec. 29, I will go for the chemo, come home with the pump for 2 days, and then be told which hospital I will have it removed since New Year's Eve is on a Saturday and Cancer Center is not open.
I am optimistic this time about the chemo working for good on me.  Now that I know some of the "unknown" I will not be so nervous about the "unknown" side effects because I will know what to expect and how to handle them I hope:)
Well, that is it for tonight☺🎶
Here is another Christmas hymn I have enjoyed singing over the years.

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love’s sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender,
Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love’s sake becamest poor.

Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love’s sake becamest man;
Stooping so low, but sinners raising
Heavenwards by thine eternal plan.
Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love’s sake becamest man.

Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Saviour and King, we worship thee.
Emmanuel, within us dwelling,
Make us what thou wouldst have us be.
Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Saviour and King, we worship thee.

Frank Houghton (1894-1972)

Call from my oncologist today......

Late this afternoon I had a call from my oncologist, Dr. Paul.  I thought maybe they were calling to reschedule my chemo for an earlier date.  No, she wanted to share the news that my tumor marker is down from 4,775 to 3,885....I still don't understand all of that, but, hey, if it is down and I have only had one treatment and have not had any pain for several weeks, something is going on and I am very thankful.
Today was a great day.  I felt almost normally energetic to wash a load of wash, make bread, clean up the usual and just act "normal".  What a nice Christmas present!  Still want to be careful of germs and getting too tired which I am right now.
My mind is filled with gratitude and hope.  Thank you Lord from all whom all blessings flow!

Silent Night

Gingerbread House Fun, 2016

No chemo this week after all....

Well, today I went in for my appointment.  The nurse drew blood and we were all set to stay for 6 hours.   I had my food and drink supply and my sister was there with me.  Ruthie brought Agustin later because he had a doc appointment.
After the blood was drawn (which is a very simple procedure now that I have a port and no one has to go searching for veins which never can be found very easily), I waited for my doctor, Dr. Paul, to come in and we were going to "talk".
First thing she asked was, do you have plans for Christmas?   I said, of course, we always have a family gathering on Christmas Eve.  This will be the first time I have not sung "O Holy Night" at our early Christmas Eve service in many years.
She then said, would you like to postpone your treatment for a week?   I looked at her in utter shock and amazement because I was all psyched up for not feeling well over Christmas and taking to my room if things got too loud and "happy" with all the kids and grand kids here.   Well, our usual "tradition" is, we meet at Kathy and Joe's for a party after church, the "elves" bring the matching pjs for all the grand kids, they change into the pjs and they open the presents given by the parents and grandparents to the kids.   The  individual "family" Christmas celebrations take place the next morning within each family unit.
Anyway, after Dr. Paul asked me this, I asked her if anything that I had already had been through, would be "lost" if  I didn't keep up the routine.  She assured me it would not be affected!   She told me I could go to church but wear a mask and not hug anyone!  I said, forget that....I probably couldn't handle that part:)
So, we will have our usual Christmas tradition gathering at Kathy's (not here as we had planned) but meet  earlier, like at 5 0'clock instead of after 7:30 PM.
Today has been a strange day because I was so psyched up for the next round, I hope I don't forget how to handle it when it does come around again.
The schedulers actually could not fit me into the schedule until Dec. 29 which means the pump will have to be removed in one of the outpatient sections of either hospital on New Years' Eve (2 days later).  That means New Year's Eve will start the side effects which will last  into the first week of January.
I feel very happy about the change and have been feeling quite well these days.
The doctor asked me about the side effects and I told her how I experienced each one she asked about.   She asked me if I had pain and I told her I do not have pain anymore since I guess, because I am taking the Creon pancreatic enzyme pills 3 times a day.
I am hungry a lot and have gained a few pounds since the last weigh in when I was coming in for fluid.
The blood work looked good to her but she still didn't have complete results from everything which would include the liver and pancreas as I understand it.
So, I wanted to make this update since all my facebook friends are already very well aware of all that happened today.
Before we left the Cancer Center, Margie sat down at the grand piano in the lobby which, by the way, is painted in very colorful bright colors:)   She played "Silent Night" and I sang one verse.  Then, we left, came home, I took a walk around the block with Agustin and then a nice nap.
Not sure if I will be updating this for awhile but may everyone who reads this, please have a safe, healthy, and blessed time of joy and peace within your families!
For those of you not on facebook, here is our latest "Gingerbread House" video.  Enjoy!  I substituted my own singing with a friend and muted the backround conversation of everyone talking and chatting:)

Through the first round of chemo and on with life....

It has been so long since I have written here simply because for some days, I could barely get my bearings on what was going on with the chemo side effects.
Not wanting to go into too much detail about each little side effect, the main problems were extreme fatigue, getting dehydrated several times, letting diarrhea start when one shouldn't even let it start.  I have found that at the age of 75, I am going to have to learn a lot about what is going on with side effects and be "on top" of them if I want to survive this "experiment".
I have only had one "round" of chemo and I have learned a lot.
1.  Take anti-nausea meds right away.
2.  Use Ativan (relaxing med) at night to sleep!
3.  Drink, drink, drink...but, now I am realizing that drinking water, though important, should be combined with drinking gatorade or pedialyte.  I have been twice to the cancer center for IV saline fluids. 
4.  No matter how horrible I feel, there will be "good" days.  The trouble is, when I really feel terrible, I feel like maybe I shouldn't keep this up.  But, when I feel good, I think why not try and "fight" it and extend my life a little longer.   Of course, after this next round, the blood tumor marker will tell if the chemo is affecting the cancer.  This will be another crossroads if it is not.  But, I am praying it is at this point.
5.  So far, my blood still looks "good".  I still look healthy in pictures!
6.  I take Creon, a prescription pancreatic enzyme, which really helps my digestion and I have little or no pain most of the time.  I eat about 6 times a day, small meals and get  hungry when I am feeling well.
7.   I have lost 20 lbs. since March....from March until July it was 15 on Weight Watchers, so that isn't too bad yet:)
I am deeply thankful to friends who call me and keep in touch.  I have not returned several phone calls just because so much comes up when I am feeling well, I just can't get to it.  But, I have appreciated the phone calls and concerns from friends and relatives.
Cards are coming in and I love it.  I appreciate it.  I care so much about my friends and relatives who have kept sending thoughts and prayers.
This time of year is so exciting and my livingroom looks beautiful.  Beautiful flowers, Christmas decorations and wonderful visits from my kids, grandkids and friends.  Agustin is so protective and so conscious of my feelings and wellbeing.  I am grateful to him although I get concerned about his rest and comfort.
Tomorrow the grandkids are coming to do Gingerbread houses in our kitchen.  (I am not in charge:)  This is a "tradition" we have done since the older ones were little.  We still have young ones who will enjoy it.
I will not be feeling up to attending or participating in  our Christmas Eve service this year just because my chemo schedule comflicts with Christmas Eve.  I have my new round of chemo on Tuesday, Dec. 20, and the pump removed Dec. 22.  That night, the side effects will start and keep up for about 7 or 8 days after.
Maybe I will be "on top" of them this time:)
Here is a favorite Christmas poem by Christina Rossetti:

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk,
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air -
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man
I would do my part;
Yet what I can, I give Him -
Give my heart.

Chemo here I come

 I thought I would be a nervous wreck just thinking about what would be happening on Monday, yesterday...6 hours at the Pearson Cancer Center.   But, after "giving it up to the Lord", I decided if many other people in this world can do this, I guess I can. 
A very nice nurse came to get me.  Agustin and Margie went with me.  Later Ruthie and Kathy came.  I had a private room with a bed and TV.  I actually brought my computer but never wanted to bother with it.   When the first needle was inserted into my port, it was hardly anything.  Nurse Brenda told me she would count to 3 and then I should hold my breath.  I guess it gives you something to think about while she injects the needle into the port through your skin.  Sort of reminds me when William (my grandson who is diabetic) has to get his pump changed every 3 days, only his is like a stapler I think....nothing to hook on to under the skin.  The first thing the nurse did was to "flush" the port.  Then she drew blood right out of there which I didn't even notice until I saw it in her hand.  No pain, nothing.  By the way, my doc told us I had the blood of a 20 year old whatever that means:):):)  Must be all that healthy organic juice I am drinking:)
 Anyway, after that, the only sensation I felt as it began to work was the first bag of IV that included the Ativan.  There must have been about five more bags including steroids and the last bag that went home with me.
I was so thankful for my support group being there the whole time with me.  I never felt any side effects from any of the chemo that was put in but only the Ativan.
During the six hours I was there, two sweet ladies from Trinity Episcopal Church brought me a hand knit prayer shawl with a lovely prayer for me enclosed.  Such and nice gesture.
So, for the last chemo which was #4, i was sent home with a pump to carry around and hopefully not to drop or get wet.  So far I have done pretty well.  I have dropped it bang on the floor about 3 times but pretty soon I will become used to having the long tubing dangling down.  The pump is contained in a fanny pack with I would not be comfortable with since my abdomen is so swollen.  I hang it on the bed post at night so don't have to worry about it falling on the floor and carry it around with me during the day.
Today has been a day of resting, wondering, just observing how I am reacting.  Actually this morning I felt not "out of it" than right now.  I must say that I am still very apprehensive about the side effects which are supposed to start to show "their" faces within 3 - 6 days after each treatment.  My treatments will consist of every other week, coming home for 2 days with the pump, returning on the 3rd day to remove the pump and get a shot of Neulasta.  Neulasta is a prescription medication used to help reduce the chance of infection due to a low white blood cell count, in people with certain types of cancer (non-myeloid), who receive anti-cancer medicines (chemotherapy) that can cause fever and low blood cell count.  I also must take Claritin the morning of the shot and for 5 days after that. Not sure why:)
So, today I took one Tramadol and that is all the pain I had all day.  I ate as usual, 6 small snacks or meals, drank water and juice.  No side effects yet from anything really.
I also got to talk to some of my "faraway friends" on facetime which was  fun and encouraging.
                           Lamentations 3:22-24   Good News Translation 

 The Lord's unfailing love and mercy still continue,   

 Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.  

 The Lord is all I have, and so in him I put my hope.

 

Neulasta® is a prescription medication used to help reduce the chance of infection due to a low white blood cell count, in people with certain types of cancer (non-myeloid), who receive anti-cancer medicines (chemotherapy) that can cause fever and low blood cell count. - See more at: https://www.neulasta.com/support/patient-stories/?WT.srch=1#sthash.cixlvwaX.dpuf

Neulasta® is a prescription medication used to help reduce the chance of infection due to a low white blood cell count, in people with certain types of cancer (non-myeloid), who receive anti-cancer medicines (chemotherapy) that can cause fever and low blood cell count. - See more at: https://www.neulasta.com/support/patient-stories/?WT.srch=1#sthash.cixlvwaX.dpuf

Neulasta® is a prescription medication used to help reduce the chance of infection due to a low white blood cell count, in people with certain types of cancer (non-myeloid), who receive anti-cancer medicines (chemotherapy) that can cause fever and low blood cell count. - See more at: https://www.neulasta.com/support/patient-stories/?WT.srch=1#sthash.cixlvwaX.dpuf

Detours, side-effects and port placement

Yesterday was not uneventful by any means.   I went to have the port placed and had quite an experience that topped off all the rest so far.   I say that because every new experience has its anxiety connected.  However, this time I was "on top" of what to expect except for that actual experience of having needles stuck into my neck and throat and having a big rubber or plastic cover draped over my head and body.  My procedure expert was also being videotaped for his "skill" (I guess)   That was comforting because he was talking all the time and I sort of felt I was "in on it":)   I was asked what kind of music I liked.  Ha!  They changed it from Johnny Cash to "classical".   Anyway, when I got back to the room I was thoroughly hungry and thirsty as usual.  All went well and my supportive husband and sister were there with the arrival of Ruthie later as I recuperated.  We got to see our dear friend Linda since she was working upstairs as an anesthesiologist. 
This time it was not the same sedatives as colonoscopy or endoscopy, so, I heard and could respond for everything, just didn't feel pain (except for the initial injections in my neck in 3 places).  I also realized I was not comfortable lying perfectly flat on my back so they let me tilt my head to the side and propped up my legs under my knees with some pillows at my request during the procedure.  So, all went well and I was out of there in good time:)
But, the real clincher happened on the way home.  As I said, I was hungry and thirsty and had already eaten a cup of applesauce, drank a juice box and 2 glasses of apple juice since early morning. But, I started to feel nauseated on the way home and we had lots of traffic.  As we got closer to home, I started having extreme  pains all across my upper abdomen.  I tried to stretch my legs.  I took off the seat belt and had to lower the elastic on my pants since my abdomen has been becoming more swollen these days.  I kept feeling worse as we got near home and as soon as we pulled into the driveway, I was going to faint.  I was limp, I could not get out of the car!
Now, as I reflect, I can analyze what was happening.  I was actually going into a  vasovagal attack.  It  is a disorder that causes a rapid drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in decreased blood flow to the brain and fainting. Vasovagal attack is the most common cause of fainting.  I was fainting and turning hot and white.  Because I was probably dehydrated, not being able to move and stretch out, I was the sickest I have ever felt.  I thought that dying couldn't be worse because you would have some warning and be on morphine😓  Agustin called 911 and we were all very upset!
Anyway, I could not stand up at all so the EMT held me to get on to the stretcher.  As soon as I was loaded up, laying flat, my whole body felt normal again.  
This is all an account from hind sight thinking it through this morning!    At the time, no one really knew exactly what and why it was happening.
I spent the next 8 hours (?) in the ER with an IV, and finally CT scan of my abdomen drinking the oral contrast only.  All looked the same on the CT scan as when cancer was discovered on Oct. 31!   And, all blood work and urine were normal for me.  
So, with all of that in mind, the pain in my neck which I understand will be there for several weeks was taking second place to what was going on in this "detour" experience.
Meanwhile, my dear family, as usual, rallied around and all came to the hospital.   This was certainly an unplanned event for the Friday afternoon of  the port placement.  
We were so glad to see Wes (my son-in-law's dad), who works there, came in and prayed with us.
I have learned from this experience that, no matter what, God keeps us going and brings us through and shows us how to analyze situations.  
I know I have to rest up and eat healthy.  Not eating and not keeping a schedule in that area can produce "side effects" and "detours".
Just a little update from yesterday, the day the port was placed.
Monday will start chemo and by Wednesday and Thursday I will be experiencing events of a life time that I have no idea how it will affect me.  I have been told by several people that getting through the first week is the worst.  I know God will be with me but I feel so inadequate for what to expect!